BYNUALA MCALOON

The unresolved badge row at St. Eugene's College in Roslea is to be discussed at a full meeting of the school's Board of Governor's when the school re-opens following mid-term break next week.

Meanwhile, Catrina McDermott who was suspended for two days last week, returned to the classroom on Monday morning still wearing the badge of St. Patrick and that of a Guardian Angel.

The 15-year-old who claims she was bullied, says she wears the badges because she feels they protect her. She continues to refuse to remove them from her blazer because, to do so would be to suggest she was ashamed of what she stood for, and ashamed of her religion.

However, the school Principal, Martin Knox said that as part of the school's uniform code, badges of any sort were forbidden, and Catrina had consequently broken school rules by refusing to remove them from her lapel.

Catrina's parents Ann and Vincent maintain no such rule exists in the school planner.

"Catrina was nervous going into school on Monday," her mother Ann explained this week. "She didn't know what to expect or whether teachers would be against her, or not look at her. But she got a positive response. The pupils were amazing. When she got off the bus and went into the cloakrooms, they all cheered her and that lifted her spirits.

"She went to class and Mr Knox had a chat with her and sent a letter home to us. It said that a full Board of Governors' meeting would be held after mid-term break to deal with relevant issues. Mid-term break is on Friday and Monday, but we have no word on when the meeting will be, we will just have to wait and see."

SUPPORT

Mrs McDermott reported that in light of the incident, the family had received a lot of support in letters and phone calls from various people in the community, across Northern Ireland, and including local MLAs and businessmen.

"We have got lots of letters from people, one from as far as Lurgan, and they also sent religious medals."

How that support is shared among parents of pupils at St. Eugene's College, was something the McDermott family were hoping to find out yesterday (Tuesday).

"We are going around the houses this evening with a petition to back Catrina to see will parents support her. Many parents have already phoned to say they are behind us."

As for the outcome of the row, Mrs McDermott said her main concern was for her daughter.

"We will wait and see what happens. With Catrina's health problems, I hope this goes in her favour. We will take one day at a time."

Meanwhile, Martin Knox yesterday confirmed that a Board of Governors meeting would take place following the mid-term break.

"Catrina is back at school and is wearing her badges. Any further disciplinary action is pending a meeting of the Board of Governors at which the situation will be reviewed.

"That will take place as soon as possible after the mid-term break."